10 Amazing Men Who Prove That Beards Aren't A Fading Trend

I guess it’s true that you learn something new every day. For me, it was the fact that facial hair research teams exist. I guess if I thought long and hard about it, it’d kind of make sense. Who knows where we’d be without facial hair research teams looking out for the chin follicles of our favorite men? Note: While I’ll be riffing on these guys throughout this entire article, it’s totally out of jealousy. I probably would have changed my major if I knew that facial hair research was an actual thing, and now my life is ruined.

Unfortunately, our facial hair geniuses have noticed a trend that upsets me – a self proclaimed facial hair enthusiast – greatly. This year, a team from the University of New South Wales discovered a different behavioral effect related to facial hair: If everyone is bearded, women prefer a clean shaven man. The same principle also works in reverse.

A study was done which included the viewing of 36 pictures of men to a group of 1,453 bisexual or heterosexual women and 213 heterosexual men. Participants had to rank a few of these photos based on attractiveness (which is kind of a weird and possibly shallow survey, but hey – I’m not part of a facial hair research team, so I can’t really judge). From the 36 photos, the first 24 were either pictures entirely of clean shaven men, bearded men, or in some groups, a mix, in order to “condition” the participant. The next 12 images were actually judged – and for the groups who saw a bunch of beards, they listed a clean face as being the most attractive. According to research member Robert Brook, “We may well be at peak beard.”

Men, just because we live in a bearded world, it doesn’t mean that you need to shave yours off tonight. First and foremost, you should keep the facial hair that makes you happy. But if you find yourself upset over the practices of those evil facial hair research teams, here are ten of my absolute favorite bearded celebrities, who prove that facial hair should always be celebrated.

1. Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs might be the only man I’ve ever seen who can totally rock a goatee. In fact, all of his facial hair decisions have been successful – but of course, my favorite is the full beard. What can you say. The man knows his face looks good regardless of the trends.

2. Jason Sudeikis

I don’t know about you, but I took Jason a bit more seriously after he grew a beard. I’ve been a big J-Suds fan for awhile now – long enough to create the nickname of “J-Suds” and dream of it actually catching on. Jason has grown up a lot since originally being hired as a script writer for SNL well over a decade ago, as he’s expecting a baby any day now with the lovely Olivia Wilde.

3. Paul Rudd

The world got to know Paul Rudd after he starred in the classic film Clueless, but at that time, we didn’t know that he had the capability of growing absolutely amazing facial hair. Seriously – no patches at all. I think that I actually prefer a bearded-Paul over a clean-shaven Paul (but let’s face it – I like him no matter how he styles himself.)

4. Ryan Gosling

I’ll admit it. I put him on the list, because he’s Ryan Gosling. Ryan Gosling is still, to my knowledge, the number one most adored dude in the galaxy, and for all of the right reasons. I mean, let’s forget The Notebook for a moment, and reflect on films like Lars And The Real Girl, and Drive. He’s talented, sweet, and can seriously be a huge inspiration to any man who is considering the challenge of obtaining a brand new beard.

5. Jason Mantzoukas

If you guys aren’t familiar with Jason Mantzoukas, you should YouTube this guy instantly. Jason is absolutely hilarious, and pops up on all of your favorite comedies – like Parks and Recreation as Dennis Feinstein, and The League as Rafi. But despite being crazy talented, Jason has a beard like no other. It’s simply glorious.

6. Nick Offerman

Speaking of Parks and Recreation, let’s take a minute to appreciate Nick Offerman, who is famous for his signature facial hair. While his mustache is often a point of discussion, his beard – which is grown when the show finishes shooting – is absolutely incredible.

From our friends

Get the newsletter

Connect with us

Contact

About us

HelloGiggles is a positive online community for women (although men are always welcome!) covering DIY and crafting projects, beauty, friendship, sex & relationships, pop culture, pets, television & movies, nostalgia, fandom, tips on savvy and stylish living meant to inspire a smile. Founded by Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer and Sophia Rossi. Reader contributions are welcome and published daily.